Chevrolet Sonic Owner's Manual: Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that correspond to the vehicle's three control systems:
- Braking Skid — wheels are not rolling.
- Steering or Cornering Skid — too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force.
- Acceleration Skid — too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these suggestions:
- Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and steer the way you want the vehicle to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be ready for a second skid if it occurs.
- Slow down and adjust your driving according to weather conditions. Stopping distance can be longer and vehicle control can be affected when traction is reduced by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material on the road. Learn to recognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down when you have any doubt.
- Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder
while driving. Follow these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the ...
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop
and accelerate. Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and ...
Other materials:
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the vehicle's frame, bumper system, height, front
end, or side sheet metal may keep the airbag system from working properly. The operation
of the airbag system can also be affected by changing any parts of the front seats,
safety belts, the airbag sensing and ...
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
The tire sealant and compressor kit is located in the rear storage area.
1. Lift the trim cover.
2. Remove the tire sealant canister (1) and the compressor (2).
To store the tire sealant canister and compressor:
1. Attach the sealant/air hose to the sealant canister inlet valve.
2. Return the ...
Synchronizers Assemble
1st/2nd Gear Synchronizer
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Note: When servicing the synchronizers, retain them in the
same order that they are removed. Keep the synchronizer components together
and mark them to identify correct location.
Install the synchronizer inserts (1) into ...
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